A tragic incident in Deonai village in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra, claimed the lives of an 18-year-old boy and both his parents. The incident happened after a dispute over a new iPhone, according to officials.
The boy, identified as Kunal Chandvade, reportedly asked his father, Murlidhar Chandvade, to buy him a new iPhone. His father refused the request, after which Kunal became upset.
According to the available information, Kunal went to the edge of Khavdya Hill at around 10 a.m. and threatened to harm himself in an attempt to persuade his parents. Local villagers tried to speak to him and convince him to return to safety, but he reportedly did not agree.
Kunal’s father then climbed the hill to bring his son back. During the attempt to reach him, Kunal fell from the cliff. His father also fell while trying to save him.
Kunal’s mother, Sangeeta Chandvade, rushed towards the spot after seeing what had happened. She also slipped and fell while attempting to help her husband and son.
The incident resulted in the deaths of all three family members. The tragedy has shocked the local community, with villagers deeply saddened by the loss of the family.
The district Collector confirmed that postmortem examinations were conducted. After the procedures were completed, the bodies were handed over to the family for the final rites.
Police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which covers procedures relating to unnatural deaths. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy has also highlighted the importance of taking warning signs of self-harm seriously. When someone threatens to hurt themselves, family members and others nearby should seek immediate professional help rather than trying to handle the situation alone.
Mental-health support is available for people experiencing a crisis or thoughts of suicide. In India, people can contact Tele-MANAS at 14416 for mental-health support. They can also seek help through local emergency services or a nearby hospital.
The incident serves as a painful reminder that family disagreements, especially involving young people, can sometimes become extremely serious. Parents, relatives and friends should try to respond calmly when a young person is highly distressed and seek professional assistance when necessary.
The investigation into the deaths is continuing, while the local community mourns the loss of the Chandvade family.